Sunday, November 22, 2009

Last week on Monday, November 16th, I received a text message around 7:00 pm eastern time that went something like this,

"Hey this is Gerri, RJ's mom. Golden Corral free to Vets tonight....We are on our way to the one in norman. Ya'll goin?"

I knew I did not know RJ's mom, so I texted back:

"Thank you for your service! I don't think I know you. My name is Tracy."

The response:

"Oops i am sorry, meant to dial area code 405"

Me: "No problem. Have a great evening!"

She: "U too"

Area code 405 is in Oklahoma City, but the Golden Corral story has been a fitting tribute to our military across the country for nine years. From the GC website:

Golden Corral's 9th annual Military Appreciation Monday dinner will be held on Monday, November 16, 2009, from 5 to 9 pm in all Golden Corral restaurants nationwide.

The free dinner meal is a special "thank you tribute" to any person who has ever served in the United States Military. If you are a veteran, retired, currently serving, in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited to join us for Golden Corral's Military Appreciation Monday dinner.

To date, Golden Corral restaurants have provided over 2.2 million free meals and contributed over $3.3 million to the Disabled American Veterans organization.

To locate a Golden Corral near you, visit www.goldencorral.com/locator.

Gary Sinise made this great PSA for Golden Corral to announce the event.

In these tough economic times when restaurants are struggling, it would be understandable if Golden Corral could not continue this honorable tradition. To their eternal credit, they did.

If there's a Golden Corral in your area, show your support and have lunch or dinner there with your family soon and often.